How would you assess the state of the roofing industry heading into 2026?

RN: As I’m sure much of the industry would attest, 2025 wasn’t exactly a joyride for the roofing industry. Storm activity was light, the macro environment tightened customer’s pockets, and roofers were watching their margins like a hawk. But going into 2026, I’m actually feeling good about where things are headed. Roofers are adopting technology faster than I’ve ever seen. People who used to run jobs with clipboards, file cabinets, sticky notes, and group texts are suddenly demanding automation and better workflows because they know it puts money back in their pockets. The companies that leaned into tech last year are coming out stronger.

Were there any trends in 2025 you’ll keep an eye on?

RN: Absolutely. First, roofers aren’t dipping a toe into tech anymore. They’re diving in. Second, pressure on profit margins isn’t going away. Anyone who isn’t tightening operations is going to feel it. Third, AI that streamlines workflows even further is becoming a competitive advantage for roofers. Those three trends are changing the shape of the industry -- fast.

ROOFR had such a big year with new products and innovations. What stands out, and how do you continue that momentum?

RN: The biggest thing that stood out wasn’t a single feature. It was watching contractors run their entire businesses with real efficiency through Roofr. Instant Estimates, automated workflows, cleaner job management, and faster estimates, payments, and material ordering all started compounding. Momentum for us means staying focused on removing friction for contractors and keep delivering tools that help them win more jobs and make more money without working longer hours.

: Do you share contractors’ optimism about sales growth in 2026?

RN: Yes, I do. Roofing demand doesn’t magically disappear. It might slow down when storms are light or the economy gets shaky, but roofs keep aging, leaking, and causing problems, no matter what. With interest rates coming down and the overall economy showing signs of life again, homeowners are finally moving on projects they’ve held back on.

What economic factors will play the biggest role in a roofing contractor’s success in the coming year?

RN: I’d say the biggest economic factors with that matter most are: Insurance friction, labor shortages, material volatility, and the interest rate environment. None of these are new problems, but they’re getting harder to ignore. The contractors who use tech to run leaner and sell/build/collect faster are the ones who will power through it.

How is your company responding to consolidation and private equity activity in roofing?

RN: Consolidation isn’t slowing down. Many of the roofing companies currently bought by private equity are using Roofr today. We’re continuing to move upmarket and building tools that work just as well for a small contractor as for larger roofing companies. Whether a company stays independent or joins a platform, they all need the same thing: a system of record they can trust.

: Did tariffs or immigration enforcement impact your mission?

RN: Not directly, but anything that pushes labor or material costs up tends to push contractors toward tech so they can control what they can. Our mission stays the same, “To be the trusted foundation for roofing professionals to build their success”. If anything, the external pressure made that mission even more relevant.

What product categories or tech capabilities are you most excited about moving forward?

RN: First, AI features to speed up workflows, such as AI voice agents, AI Roof Measurements, and AI Websites. Second, a single platform to manage their entire business. The future is a roofer waking up, opening one platform, and seeing everything from leads to payouts without needing five tabs open. We’re already seeing this in 2025; by 2026, it will become the norm.

What are the biggest concerns moving forward?

RN: The weather is always unpredictable, and margins might continue to feel tight going into 2026, given the macro environment. But, I’m not losing sleep over the future of the industry. Roofers are tough and resourceful. And the ones who embrace the changes happening right now are about to have the best years of their careers.

What’s keeping you up at night?

RN: The weather is always unpredictable, and margins might continue to feel tight going into 2026, given the macro environment, but, I’m not losing sleep over the future of the industry. Roofers are tough and resourceful. And the ones who embrace the changes happening right now are about to have the best years of their careers.